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Usher delivered a heartfelt and emotional speech as he accepted a lifetime achievement award at the BET Awards on Sunday. The 45-year-old singer-songwriter, best known for hits like "Yeah!" and "You Make Me Wanna", captivated the audience with his reflections on his journey and the importance of fatherhood.
"Getting here has definitely not been easy, but it has been worth it", Usher began, acknowledging the challenges and triumphs that have marked his career. He also received the award for Best R&B and Hip-Hop Artist at the ceremony, cementing his status as a music industry icon.
Opening his 15-minute acceptance speech with humor and humility, Usher questioned, “This life achievement award, I don’t know, man, is it too early to receive it? Cause I’m still running’ and gunning’ like I did when I was eight years old.” His words resonated with many, highlighting his enduring passion for his craft.
The singer then delved into personal territory, speaking about the impact of his father's absence during his childhood. "I was trying to make sense of this name a man gave me that didn’t stick around because he didn’t love me,” Usher shared. He emphasized the importance of forgiveness and understanding, particularly in the context of the struggles faced by Black men in America. "You have to have a forgiving heart to understand the true pitfalls and hardships of a Black man in America and my father, he was a product of that.”
Reflecting on his own experience as a father, Usher declared, “This is the year of the father. Stand up for your daughters and sons and lead". He called on all fathers in the audience and at home to stand, stating, "We don’t get a chance to say enough, ‘Dad I did it,’ so this one is for all of the men out there being generals to their sons, and motivation for our future Black leaders - young en".
Usher also spoke about turning over a new leaf and the power of forgiveness. "We’ve got to be willing to forgive, we’ve got to be willing to be open. I’m telling you; you’re standing before a man who had to forgive a man who never showed up ever. And look what I made with it. Look what I was able to ‘usher’ in. But that’s what’s real, that’s what makes us human, that’s what makes us women and men".
The award was presented by legendary producers Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis. Following a montage of career highlights, including clips from Usher's teenage years and his recent Super Bowl performance, an all-star tribute featured performances by Childish Gambino, Keke Palmer, and Summer Walker, each covering one of Usher's songs.
Usher's recognition at the BET Awards comes just a few months after his prestigious Super Bowl half-time show performance, highlighting his sustained relevance and influence in the music industry.
Other highlights from the event included Will Smith debuting a new single, "You Can Make It," with an inspiring message to the audience. "I don’t know who needs to hear this right now, but whatever’s going on in your life right now, I’m here to tell you, you can make it,” Smith said before his performance.
The event was a night to remember, celebrating the achievements and contributions of Black artists, athletes, and entertainers.
